Southern Tire Mart, the largest independent commercial tire dealership in the U.S., and Pilot Co. have formed a strategic alliance, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J, that "will leverage the strengths and conveniences of Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, as well as the tire and maintenance
expertise of Southern Tire Mart."
“With the growing demand for fleet customers to find greater efficient means to maximize their up-time and maximize driver productivity, the need to create and build a consistent nationwide network is clear,” says John Boynton, president of Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. “Our goal is to help fleet operators maximize the return on their investment, while creating an exceptional driver experience."
As part of the deal, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J have assumed management and operations of 35 Pilot Flying J Truck Care maintenance facilities.
"The new operation remains dedicated to providing professional drivers and fleet customers with exceptional repair, maintenance, roadside assistance, lube and tire-focused services," say company officials, who add that Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J will honor existing promotions and discounts to ensure a smooth transition for customers.
“We’re excited to bring together the strengths of our network with the expertise of Southern Tire Mart to better meet the tire and maintenance needs of the trucking industry,” says Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot.
“Through this partnership, we look forward to building a nationwide network of on-highway commercial vehicle maintenance, lube and tire-focused services that keeps fleet and drivers moving with safe, well-maintained trucks.”
Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J plans to build over 100 more locations in the next 18 months, with a goal of growing the network across the U.S. to 200 points of service over 36 months.
These facilities will be built on Pilot and Flying J Travel Center properties "to better serve over the road fleet customer needs."
In addition to the facilities at Pilot and Flying J travel centers, customers will have access to the 140 Southern Tire Mart locations nationwide.
Southern Tire Mart carries Bridgestone, Firestone, Continental, General, Yokohama, Toyo, Double Coin, Dayton and Gladiator brand commercial truck tires. The dealership operates more than 20 retread plants, according to MTD research.
The Pilot Flying J travel center network includes over 750 locations throughout 44 states and six Canadian provinces.
